Declan Rice Rescues Late Draw For Arsenal Against Manchester United

Arsenal fought back from a goal down to secure a 1-1 draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

This result marks the second consecutive stalemate between the two sides and ends the Red Devils’ four-match losing streak in head-to-head league encounters.

Gunners Dominate Early

Fresh off their impressive midweek victory over PSV Eindhoven, Arsenal started brightly, dictating the tempo and creating early chances.

Mikel Merino came close to opening the scoring in the 10th minute, but his shot drifted narrowly wide. Despite Alejandro Garnacho’s occasional threat down the right flank, the Gunners largely controlled proceedings but struggled to penetrate United’s resilient defense.

Martin Ødegaard’s long-range effort was comfortably saved by André Onana, showing Arsenal’s struggles to break the deadlock.

United Snatch Lead Against the Run of Play

As the first half reached the dying minutes, Arsenal continued to probe, with Thomas Partey and Leandro Trossard both failing to convert from promising positions.

However, against the run of play, Manchester United took the lead just before halftime. Garnacho won a free-kick, which Bruno Fernandes expertly curled into the top corner, marking the Red Devils’ first shot on target of the match.

Heaven’s Debut

The second half saw Ayden Heaven, a recent acquisition from Arsenal, make his Premier League debut for Manchester United. The 18-year-old settled in quickly, contributing to a more solid defensive display.

Arsenal, however, continued to press for an equalizer. Ødegaard and Rice tested Onana from corner variations, but the United goalkeeper remained resolute.

United threatened on the counter, with Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui combining to force a brilliant save from David Raya. The Arsenal goalkeeper was called into action again to deny Zirkzee before Trossard attempted at the other end trickled harmlessly wide.

Rice Rescues a Point for Arsenal

Arsenal’s persistence finally paid off when Rice unleashed a first-time effort from Jurriën Timber’s pass, finding the back of the net off the post. The goal injected renewed energy into the Gunners’ attack as they searched for a winner.

In the dying moments, both teams pushed for a decisive goal. Onana denied Gabriel Martinelli with a smart save, while Rice and Gabriel Magalhães made crucial interventions to thwart Rasmus Højlund.

Raya produced a stunning save to deny Fernandes in stoppage time, ensuring the match ended in a 1-1 draw.

The draw leaves Arsenal 15 points behind league leaders Liverpool, while Manchester United’s point lifts them one place in the table.